As a woman who has grown up in today’s enlightened society, it’s quite disheartening to revisit some of these classic films and see the blatant disregard for sensitivity and respect that was so prevalent back then. I mean, seriously, who thought it was okay to out a transgender woman in “Crocodile Dundee” or use homophobic slurs in “Teen Wolf”? It’s like taking a step back into the past and realizing just how far we’ve come…or haven’t, in some cases.
Reflecting on cinema’s past, particularly the most acclaimed films from the 1980s, many classics have left a lasting impact. However, upon reevaluation, some of these movies may now appear problematic. This list aims to highlight such titles, not to criticize them excessively, as films like “Revenge of the Nerds” often get singled out. Instead, view this compilation as a guide to movies that can still provide enjoyment, taking into account any potential issues they may raise.
Revenge of the Nerds
Supporting the underdog is simple, even in a film like “Revenge of the Nerds“, which unfortunately portrays offensive stereotypes about sexuality. What makes it more problematic is that the character Betty Childs (Julia Montgomery) has her private images shared without her consent and she’s deceived into an intimate situation with the lead character Lewis (Robert Carradine). Fortunately, the 2007 remake was never aired.
Rambo III
1988 marked a significantly distinct era in global politics, as evidenced by numerous action films featuring characters like John Rambo (portrayed by Sylvester Stallone) joining forces with the Mujahideen freedom fighters. Although the popular story about “Rambo III” dedicating the movie to their cause is a myth, it’s true that this anti-Soviet resistance group played a crucial role in shaping The Taliban movement in later years.
The Breakfast Club
Initially, the iconic John Hughes comedy seemed on the verge of exclusion from our list of beloved ’80s favorites. Upon reconsideration, we recalled an inappropriate scene where character Bender (played by Judd Nelson) peeked under Claire’s skirt (portrayed by Molly Ringwald). Despite its timeless value as a classic film, this scene symbolized unacceptable behavior from The Breakfast Club’s rebellious character, Bender.
Sixteen Candles
In more conversational terms: There are two aspects of the movie “Sixteen Candles” that have raised concerns in recent discussions. One is the portrayal of Long Duk Dong (played by Gedde Watanabe), a character that reinforces harmful stereotypes. The other is Ted’s (Anthony Michael-Hall) attempts to deceive his friends about being with a girl, which some find problematic. Mentioning this movie can easily spark debates about these issues.
Police Academy
Initially, movies in the Police Academy series were notably more explicit than their later counterparts. However, a recurring joke that persisted involved police officers frequently ending up at the Blue Oyster Bar, which fueled the stereotype of “gay panic” humor. Over time, this joke became less crude by the release of Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol.
Soul Man
As a fan, I’m revisiting C. Thomas Howell’s movie “Soul Man,” where my character is on the verge of attending Harvard… but life’s twists have depleted my college fund. Desperate for a scholarship, I contrive an unconventional plan – consuming excessive tanning pills to pass as African American. The racial climate alone might make you ponder the film’s intentions, but the pill-taking aspect certainly adds to the confusion!
Better Off Dead
In the film “Better Off Dead,” actors Yee Sook Ree (Yuji Okumoto) and his brother Chen Ree (Brian Imada) contribute a scene that has sparked debate among modern viewers. The confusion stems from Chen’s inability to speak English, and Yee mimicking Howard Cosell, which on the surface doesn’t appear racist. However, some fans have expressed discomfort due to the revelation by Okumoto to EW that his lines were actually dubbed over by impressionist Rich Little in the role.
Rain Man
Looking back, Rain Man was an enormous success at the box office and even won the Best Picture award at the 61st Academy Awards. Yet, from a modern perspective, Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of a math genius with neurodiversity seems less than authentic. Regrettably, the movie’s title has also been adopted as derogatory slang for neurodivergence. As a fan who appreciates authentic representation, I can’t help but feel that we deserve more nuanced and respectful portrayals of neurodivergent individuals in our films.
Porky’s
In the film “Porky’s,” the prank of peeping tomfoolery, which is the movie’s humorous focal point, often results in amusing consequences. However, a scene where a group of boys expose themselves through a hole in the girls’ shower may not sit well with some contemporary viewers, even though it includes the iconic “wanted poster” scene.
Overboard
The timeless ’80s romantic comedy “Overboard,” starring Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, remains a favorite for many due to its humorous nature. However, the narrative’s core revolves around the wealthy amnesiac Joanna (Hawn), who relies on her love interest, Dean (Russell), to help her remember her identity. In the 2018 remake featuring Anna Farris and Eugenio Derbez, this plotline is retained but has been criticized for not holding up as well over time.
The Toy
One way to rephrase this in a more natural and easy-to-read manner could be: What’s surprising about a film like “The Toy” with Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason? Well, critics found it lacking in humor. However, the main issue lies in the problematic storyline where a wealthy man (Gleeson) essentially buys a struggling African American man (Pryor) to be his son’s live-in friend. This plot point raises concerns on multiple levels.
Big
Amidst instances of piano-playing at FAO Schwartz and humming familiar schoolyard tunes, even Hannah Wadddingham can recall, Big encounters a predicament as significant as its name. With the character Josh Baskins (Tom Hanks), now magically grown, finding himself in a romantic relationship with his colleague (Elizabeth Perkins), the stark age difference between them becomes strikingly apparent towards the end…much like some ’90s kid classics that leave a disappointing taste, such as Blank Check.
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom
In franchises similar to the Indiana Jones series, it’s common for one movie to stand out as having issues. For instance, the 1984 film, Temple of Doom, which served as a prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark, has been criticized for its racially insensitive humor and action sequences. The portrayal of stereotypes related to the consumption of chilled monkey brains, among other elements, is seen as a significant step backward and may not be considered funny by most viewers.
All Dogs Go To Heaven
The debate surrounding “All Dogs Go To Heaven” is a common criticism directed towards virtually every animated film produced by Don Bluth. This animated movie, in particular, has been criticized for being too dark for young viewers. Additionally, the character of King Gator (portrayed by Ken Page) has raised concerns due to potential insensitivity.
Short Circuit 2
In the end, Fisher Stevens found himself looking back on his participation in the “Short Circuit” films with a sense of remorse, and understandably so. He portrayed the character Ben Jabituya, who was of Indian descent, using brownface makeup not just once, but twice. It’s worth mentioning that a more ethnically accurate actor would likely be cast for this role in the potential reboot of “Short Circuit,” addressing the issue of cultural representation that had been raised during that time in cinematic history.
The Karate Kid
Some might debate whether Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) truly embodied the hero in “The Karate Kid”, or if Mr. Miyagi’s wise guidance (Pat Morita) was a portrayal of the “Wise Asian” stereotype. Regardless of your perspective, it’s likely we can all agree that the popular Netflix series “Cobra Kai” has enriched this franchise, often tackling such questions directly.
Driving Miss Daisy
In any other year, the movie “Driving Miss Daisy” might have been viewed as problematic due to its gentle exploration of racial issues. However, when this Morgan Freeman/Jessica Tandy-led film was awarded Best Picture, beating Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing”, the criticisms not only became more vocal but also long-lasting.
The Principal
In essence, the film The Principal isn’t like the well-known movie Lean On Me. While both feature a strong principal character (played by Jim Belushi), the school in this film is notoriously disrespected by the entire district. Unlike its more respected counterpart, the second half of the story in The Principal takes an unexpected turn with the school’s leader engaging in physical violence, including hand-to-hand combat against a student. As time has passed, this film has become somewhat controversial due to its portrayal of such aggressive behavior.
Beetlejuice
Is it possible for you to appreciate Beetlejuice, with its flaws and all? Absolutely! Tim Burton’s classic horror-comedy is a thrilling journey. However, we generally agree that the original 1988 story has some issues due to the character of the B-Man (played by Michael Keaton) attempting to marry Lydia (Winona Ryder), who appears underage. Yet, surprisingly, these two characters developed a strong friendship after their complex past in the four seasons of the animated series that followed.
The Wizard
In the movie “The Wizard“, the main character Jimmy (Luke Edwards), though not officially diagnosed with Autism, is often interpreted as exhibiting traits associated with it. The tragic event in his family and subsequent divorce of his parents left him with limited options: either leaving home or being placed in an institution. Unfortunately, this 1989 adventure film, which many grew up watching, has a less than appealing charm about it.
Howard The Duck
Some people may continue to argue that “Howard the Duck” is a fun and offbeat adventure featuring an earlier version of Marvel’s less common character, Howard the Duck. However, if this defense doesn’t address the obvious issues like unexpected duck nudity or the seemingly romantic moments between interstellar duck Howard (played by Ed Gale, Jordan Prentice, and Chip Zien) and aspiring musician Beverly (Lea Thompson), then go ahead and bring up those concerns in your discussion!
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace
It appears that Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, featuring Christopher Reeve as Superman, is questionable due to its portrayal of Superman resolving the nuclear arms race effortlessly. However, what keeps fans, including Jon Cryer, expressing their disapproval towards Superman IV, lies in the fact that the last classic installment was poorly managed by Cannon Films, demonstrating a lack of understanding on how to produce this film effectively.
Iron Eagle
Just like the Rambo sequels portrayed one man’s ability to re-engage in the Vietnam War alongside the Mujahideen as an unrealistic fantasy, Iron Eagle presents a questionable perspective on international relations through its storyline. In this film, Doug Masters (played by Jason Gedrick) seems to believe that rescuing his imprisoned pilot father from a foreign nation can be achieved by quickly learning aviation skills from Louis Gossett Jr., and by stealing government property with good intentions. Unfortunately, subsequent sequels don’t offer any more insightful portrayals of international relations.
Look Who’s Talking
In the cherished film “Look Who’s Talking,” many recall the charming story of Mikey (Bruce Willis), a chatty baby, and the romantic blossoming of his mother Mollie (Kirstie Alley) and her partner James (John Travolta). However, it appears that a crucial aspect often slips people’s minds: Mikey’s biological father (George Segal), who was already married, abandoned both his wife and Mikey during the process.
Tootsie
In the movie Tootsie, there’s a lot of emotional depth, but it remains true that Dustin Hoffman’s character benefits from pretending to be a woman to supposedly advance his career. Critics view this film through the lenses of misogyny and transphobia, as they argue that Michael Dorsey (Hoffman) doesn’t seem to learn any meaningful lesson from his comedic experiences.
Sleepaway Camp
One of the significant turns in ’80s horror cinema is when we discover in the film ‘Sleepaway Camp’ that Angela, the masked slasher (played by Felissa Rose), was originally Peter, a transgender character. However, it’s questionable if the movie effectively handles this revelation, as it seems to imply that Peter’s supposed breakdown was due to them observing their father in a same-sex relationship.
Cocktail
In simpler terms, “Wasn’t a Tom Cruise comedy-drama unexpected when one character, Doug (played by Bryan Brown), took his own life in 1988’s ‘Cocktail’? This was likely the reaction of audiences as they watched, given that such a tragic event isn’t typically associated with a film releasing hit singles by The Beach Boys.
Crocodile Dundee
As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Paul Hogan’s legendary film, Crocodile Dundee, has some explaining to do when it comes to its content. If I had to pick one instance that shows why this movie doesn’t feel as fresh today, the scene where Mick Dundee outed a transgender woman (Anne Carlisle) and laughed along with the crowd in a bar would be a strong contender for the most telling example of its dated nature.
Just One Of The Guys
It’s a toss-up between which piece of Just One Of The Guys is more concerning: the fact that Terri/Terry (Joyce Hyser) had to flash her bare chest to prove she was actually female, or that the whole movie is a gender-swapping version of She’s All That. While the movie does get points with modern audiences for handling its story about sexism with sensitivity, this seemingly exploitative moment sets that message back a bit.
Teen Wolf
Back in the ’80s, nothing could’ve encapsulated the era’s uniqueness more than the garage conversation between Scotty (Michael J. Fox) and his pal Stiles (Jerry Levine) from “Teen Wolf.” The use of a derogatory term towards those of a different sexual orientation, followed by Stiles expressing concern about Scotty potentially transforming into a bloodthirsty creature, definitely strikes a discordant note in today’s context.
Dirty Dancing
It’s clear that “Dirty Dancing” is widely recognized as one of the greatest romantic films ever made. The captivating love story between Baby, played by Jennifer Grey, and Johnny, portrayed by Patrick Swayze, set in the 1950s, is hard to resist. Yet, given that he’s 24 and she’s only 17, it’s surprising that Baby’s father, Jerry Orbach, didn’t take steps to ensure the troublemaking dance instructor spent some time behind bars.
Trading Places
Despite the fact that “Trading Places” appeared to effectively criticize wealth disparity and political racial issues, two problematic aspects have surfaced over time: firstly, the inappropriate scene involving a gorilla and one of the film’s antagonists (Paul Gleeson), and secondly, Dan Akyroyd’s use of blackface in the climax. Furthermore, the decision to hire director John Landis, given the tragic accidents on the set of his “Twilight Zone: The Movie” segment, has added to the movie’s growing concerns with each passing year.
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2024-09-29 19:38